Fertilizer

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a liquid fertilizer comprising a mixture of a salt of phosphorous acid together with either a thiosulphate such as ammonium or potassium thiosulphate and/or a salt of salicylic acid or salicyle amide. The use of this combination as a foliar spray, soil drench or irrigation component produces a greater fertilizer effect (on plant vigour and growth) and greater resistance to or control of parasitic fungal diseases, than each of the components applied individually or any combination of just two components.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel compositions having fertilisingand anti-fungal effects, to processes for their preparation, and tomethods of fertilising plants and controlling fungi using them.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Phosphorus is one of the essential major elements required by plants andit is usually supplied to plants in the form of phosphate and/orpolyphosphate. Phosphates are the salts of phosphoric acid (having theformula H₃PO₄ and molecular weight of 98). In recent years, it has beenshown that plants can obtain phosphorus from phosphonates (sometimesalso referred to as phosphites) which are the salts (organic orinorganic) of phosphonic acid (also referred to as phosphorous acid)(having the formula H₃PO₃ and molecular weight of 82). See, for example,U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,514,200 & 5,830,255 to Lovatt; U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,418to Hsu; U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,837 to Taylor. These describe formulationscontaining phosphorous acid or phosphonates suitable as fertilisers forplants. It has also been shown that phosphonate compounds are useful asfungicides, especially where the fungal organisms are phycomycetes oroomycetes. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,075,324 & 4,119,724 toThizy; U.S. Pat. No. 4,139,616 to Lacroix et al; U.S. Pat. Nos.4,698,334, 4.806,445 & 5,169,646 to Honriere et al; U.S. Pat. Nos4,935,410 & 5,070,083 to Bartlet; U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,164 to Taylor.These describe formulations, containing phosphorous acid orphosphonates, suitable as fungicides for plants.

Ammonium thiosulphate and potassium thiosulphate, either alone or mixedwith other liquid fertiliser components, have been used for many yearsas fertilisers. See literature on “Thio-sul”® and KTS® sulphurfertilisers produced by Tessenderlo Kerley. See also UK Patent No. GB2,259,912 to Sampson, which describes the use of ammonium thiosulphatein a plant growth stimulator.

WPI Abstract Accession No. 91-249421 discloses a cut flower preservingagent comprising a water-soluble silver salt (100 pts. wt.) andthiosulphate (300-2500 pts. wt.) to which a phosphite (30-300 pts. wt.)is added as a stabilising agent.

Some of the problems with the prior art are that the fertilising effectof phosphonate is less than might be expected from the amount ofphosphorus applied, and the fungicidal effect is fairly limited in termsof the types of pathogen controlled. This is due to a complex mode ofaction involving a combination of some fungistatic action and naturalplant defences coming into play (See Guest D I & Grant B R (1991)—TheComplex action of phosphonates in plants—Biological Reviews 66,159-187). The use of phosphonate, whilst improving the resistance ofplants to infections of downy mildew (eg Plasmopora) and Phytophthoradiseases, does tend to increase the risk of ascomycete (eg Erysiphe)infections. The present invention seeks to provide a solution to theseproblems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided afertiliser composition comprising at least one phosphonate and at leastone thiosulphate.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afertiliser composition comprising at least one phosphonate and at leastone salicylic acid, homologue, derivative, or salt thereof.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a fertiliser composition comprising at least one thiosulphateand at least one salicylic acid, homologue, derivative, or salt thereof.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda fertiliser composition comprising at least one thiosulphate, at leastone phosphonate and at least one salicylic acid, homologue, derivative,or salt thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention comprises using a mixture of a phosphonatetogether with either a thiosulphate, or at least one salicylic acid,homologue, derivative, or salt thereof. The use of this combinationshows a synergistic effect, in that the combination of phosphonate withthiosulphate or salicylic acid, homologues, salts or derivatives thereofproduces a greater fertiliser effect and fungicidal effect than theindividual components used separately. There may be an even greatereffect if all three components (ie phosphonate, thiosulphate andsalicylic acid, homologue, salt or derivative thereof) were usedtogether. The combination of thiosulphate with a salicylic acid,homologue, salt or derivative thereof, in the absence of phosphonate,also produces a fertiliser effect and fungicidal effect.

Fertilisers based on the present invention provide a greater growtheffective response than phosphonates or thiosulphates alone and thedegree of fungicidal protection or resistance is broader than thatachieved with phosphonates or thiosulphates alone. Plants treated withthe present invention suffer less from phycomycete diseases (for examplephytophthoras and downy mildews) than those treated with for examplephosphonate alone and are also less prone to other parasitic fungi suchas powdery mildews. Thus the present invention provides a means forapplying a single product to plants which is an effective fungicide aswell as an effective fertiliser.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the formulation isvery storage stable, for example tests on mixtures of potassiumphosphonate and ammonium thiosulphate stored for over one year haveshown that there is no oxidation of the phosphonate to phosphate and thestored material shows no signs of cloudiness or precipitation. The useof further organic acids as buffers (as is required in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,514,200 & 5,830,255) is also not required to achieve stable solutions.

By “phosphonate” we mean a salt of phosphonic acid (H₃PO₃). Phosphonatescontain the trivalent ≡PO₃ radical. For the avoidance of doubt,phosphoric acid is sometimes referred to as phosphorous acid and itssalts as phosphites. Mixtures of phosphonates may be employed.

The phosphonate may be any metal ion or other cation which forms such asalt. As phosphonic acid has a P—H bond it forms a mono and di series ofsalts. Both mono and di salts and mixtures thereof may be used in thepresent invention. Preferably the phosphonate is an ammonium phosphonateor alkali phosphonate. Amongst the alkali phosphonates, sodium orpotassium phosphonate are preferred. Potassium phosphonate isparticularly preferred, in the form of mono- and/or di-potassiumphosphonate (KH₃PO₃, K₂HPO₃ respectively).

Phosphonates may be produced by the neutralisation of phosphonic acid byan alkali. The present invention also encompasses the use of phosphonicacid which is subsequently converted to its phosphonate this conversionmay take place in situ or ex situ. When using, for example, potassiumhydroxide for the neutralisation, depending on the molar ratio ofpotassium hydroxide to phosphorous acid, the phosphonate solution willcontain varied amounts of di-potassium phosphonate, mono-potassiumphosphonate and un-reacted phosphorous acid. We have found that anapproximately 42% w/w solution, having a pH of between 6.7 and 7.3 andcontaining approximately equal amounts of mono- and di-potassiumphosphonate is a clear, colourless and very stable starting material forour present invention.

The thiosulphate may be any suitable salt of a metal or other cation.Preferably the thiosulphate is ammonium, sodium or potassiumthiosulphate or a mixture thereof. More preferably the thiosulphate isin the form of either ammonium or potassium thiosulphate ((NH₄)₂S₂O₃ orK₂S_(2O) ₃).

The most common form of thiosulphate is ammonium thiosulphate, and thisis readily available commercially as a 60% w/w solution, with a pH ofabout 7.5 and a specific gravity of about 1.32. If a higher proportionof potassium is required in the final foliar fertiliser, the ammoniumthiosulphate can be substituted, either partly or wholly, with potassiumthiosulphate.

The present invention includes functional homologues and derivatives ofsalicylic acid and its salts. By this we mean that the functionalhomologue or derivative should be capable of providing a fertilisereffect and/or antifungal effect. Examples of such derivatives ofsalicylic acid include salicylamide or a salt thereof, and esters.

Examples of homologues of salicylic acid include benzoic acid or a saltor derivative thereof, such as an ester. Examples of benzoic acidcompounds which may be used in the present invention may be found inWO99/25191.

The salicylic acid is preferably in the form of its potassium salicylatesalt or salicylamide—C₇H₅KO₃ or C₇H₇NO₂.

Salicylic acid itself has low solubility, but inorganic salts ofsalicylic acid, such as sodium or potassium salicylate are readilysoluble. When salicylamide is used, rather than salicylic acid or asalicylate, the addition of a few drops of alkali assists in itssolution, by forming for example sodium or potassium salicylamide.Salicylamide also dissolves more readily in the thiosulphate solution,the presence of small amounts of alkali or ammonia in the thiosulphatesolution assisting in the solubilisation.

The preparation of the compounds used in the present invention is wellknown in the art. The compounds may be prepared in situ or ex situ.

In one embodiment, the composition of the present invention does notinclude a water-soluble silver salt. In another embodiment, if thecomposition contains a solution of 100 parts by weight water-solublesilver salt, and 300-2500 parts by weight thiosulphate, then the amountof phosphonate is other than 30 to 300 parts by weight

The compositions of the present invention are useful as fertiliser,particularly foliar fertilisers. More particularly the compositions ofthe present invention increase plant growth compared to the individualcomponents alone, stimulate growth in plants, plant vigour and/or effectcrop yield, for example by reducing tuber blight.

The compositions of the present invention also have an antifungaleffect. This may be a fungicidal or fungistatic effect. The compositionsof the present invention may have activity against parasitic fungi. Thecompositions may have activity against phycomycete diseases such asphytophthoras and downy mildews, for example, Plasmopora; and/orascomycetes such as, for example. Erysiphe.

In one particularly preferred embodiment the composition furthercomprises a plant growth regulator. Preferably the plant growthregulator is chlormequat.

In order to apply the composition to the plant or environs of the plant,the composition may be used as a concentrate or more usually isformulated into a composition which includes an effective amount of thecomposition of the present invention together with a suitable inertdiluent, carrier material and/or surface active agent. Preferably thecomposition is in the form of an aqueous solution which may be preparedfrom the concentrate. By effective amount we mean that the composition(and/or its individual components) provides a fertilising and/orantifungal effect. Preferably an effective amount of the components is aconcentration of up to about 4M phosphonate, up to about 5M thiosulphateand/or up to about 0.8M salicylate. Thus, in one embodiment theconcentrate may comprise up to about 10M of the components. Theconcentrate formulation may for example be diluted at ratios ofconcentrate to water of about 1:40 to 1:600, and generally is formulatedto have pH of about 6.5 to 8.5. At a 1:40 dilution, a concentrate ofabout 10M would give rise to an application concentrate of up to about0.25M.

The rate and timing of application will depend on a number of factorsknown to those skilled in the art, such as the type of species etc. Thecomposition is generally applied In an amount of from 0.01 to 10 kg perhectare, preferably 0.1 to 6 kg per hectare. Preferably the phosphonateis applied at 150 g/ha to 2 kg/ha. Preferably the thiosulphate isapplied at 250 g/ha to 6 kg/ha. Preferably the salicylic acid, ahomologue, derivative, or salt thereof is applied at 1 g/ha to 100 g/ha.

In one preferred embodiment, a fertiliser composition according to thepresent invention comprises about 150 g/l phosphonate, about 275 g/lthiosulphate and/or about 10 g/l salicylamide. Preferably thephosphonate comprises about 75 g/l mono-potassium phosphonate and about75 g/l di-potassium phosphonate.

As well as varying amounts of each compound to be blended together, asis common with many foliar fertilisers, it is also possible to combineother fertilising elements, such as but not limited to, iron, copper,boron and molybdenum (often known as micronutrients) in the finalsolution. These may be added as soluble inorganic compounds (eg sodiumborate or sodium molybdate) or as chelates (eg copper EDTA) or othermetal complexes.

The compositions of the present invention can be applied to the soil,plant, seed, or other area to be protected. Preferably the presentinvention is applied to the foliage of plants. The composition may beapplied in the form of dusting powders, wettable powders, granules (slowor fast release), emulsion or suspension concentrates, liquid solutions,emulsions, seed dressings, or controlled release formulations such asmicroencapsulated granules or suspensions, soil drench, irrigationcomponent, or preferably a foliar spray.

Dusting powders are formulated by mixing the active ingredient with oneor more finely divided solid carriers and/or diluents, for examplenatural clays, kaolin, pyrophyllite, bentonite, alumina, montmorllonite,kieselguhr, chalk, daiatomaceous earths, calcium phospates, calcium andmagnesium carbonates, sulfur, lime, flours, talc and other organic andinorganic solid carriers.

Granules are formed either by absorbing the active ingredient in aporous granular material for example pumice, attapulgite clays, fuller'searth, kieselguhr, diatomaceous earths, ground corn cobs, and the like,or on to hard core materials such as sands, silicates, mineralcarbonates, sulfates, phosphates, or the like. Agents which are commonlyused to aid in impregnation, binding or coating the solid carriersinclude aliphatic and aromatic petroleum solvents, alcohols, polyvinylacetates, polyvinyl alcohols, ethers, ketones, esters, dextrins, sugarsand vegetable oils, with the active ingredient. Other additives may alsobe included, such as emulsifying agents, wetting agents or dispersingagents.

Microencapsulated formulations (microcapsule suspensions CS) or othercontrolled release formulations may also be used, particularly for slowrelease over a period of time, and for seed treatment.

Alternatively the compositions may be in the form of liquid preparationsto be used as dips, irrigation additives or sprays, which are generallyaqueous dispersions or emulsions of the active ingredient in thepresence of one or more known wetting agents, dispersing agents oremulsifying agents (surface active agents). The compositions which areto be used in the form of aqueous dispersions or emulsions are generallysupplied in the form of an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) or a suspensionconcentrate (SC) containing a high proportion of the active ingredientor ingredients. An EC is an homogeneous liquid composition, usuallycontaining the active ingredient dissolved in a substantiallynon-volatile organic solvent. An SC is a fine particle size dispersionof solid active ingredient in water. To apply the concentrates they arediluted in water and are usually applied by means of a spray to the areato be treated.

Suitable liquid solvents for ECs include methyl ketone, methyl isobutylketone, cyclohexanone, xylenes, toluene, chlorobenzene, paraffins,kerosene, white oil, alcohols (for example, butanol), methylnaphthalene,trimethylbenzene, trichloroethylene, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone andtetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA).

These concentrates are often required to withstand storage for prolongedperiods and after such storage, to be capable of dilution with water toform aqueous preparations which remain homogeneous for a sufficient timeto enable them to be applied by conventional spray equipment. Theconcentrates may contain 1-85% by weight of the active ingredient oringredients. When diluted to form aqueous preparations such preparationsmay contain varying amounts of the active ingredient depending upon thepurpose for which they are to be used.

The composition may also be formulated as powders (dry seed treatment DSor water dispersible powder WS) or liquids (flowable concentrate FS,liquid seed treatment LS), or microcapsule suspensions CS for use inseed treatments. The formulations can be applied to the seed by standardtechniques and through conventional seed treaters. In use thecompositions are applied to the plants, to the locus of the plants, byany of the known means of applying fertiliser compositions, for example,by dusting, spraying, or incorporation of granules.

When the final solution is to be applied to plants which, because oftheir hairy or waxy surface, may be difficult to wet, it may also beadvantageous to include other additives, commonly known in theagrochemical industry, such as surfactants, wetting agents, spreadersand stickers. (Examples of wetting agents include silicone surfactants,nonionic surfactants such as alkyl ethoxylates, anionic surfactants suchas phosphate ester salts and amphoteric or cationic surfactants such asfatty acid amido alkyl betaines).

As indicated above, the compounds of the invention may be the soleactive ingredient of the composition or they may be admixed with one ormore additional active ingredients such as nematicides, insecticidessynergists, herbicides, additional fungicides, additional fertilisers orplant growth regulators where appropriate.

As indicated above, the fertilisers produced according to this presentinvention are usually applied to the foliage of plants but may also beapplied to the soil or added to the irrigation water. The fertilisersmay be used advantageously on many types of agricultural andhorticultural crops, including but not limited to, cereals, legumes,brassicas, cucurbits, root vegetables, sugar beet, grapes, citrus &other fruit trees and soft fruits. More particularly, crops that willbenefit from the fertiliser include, but are not limited to, peas, oilseed rape, carrots, spring barley, avocado, citrus, mango, coffee,deciduous tree crops, grapes, strawberries and other berry crops,soybean, broad beans and other commercial beans, corn, tomato,cucurbitis and other cucumis species, lettuce, potato, sugar beets,peppers, sugar cane, hops, tobacco, pineapple, coconut palm and othercommercial and ornamental palms, rubber and other ornamental plants.

Various further preferred features and embodiments of the invention willnow be described by reference to the following non-limited Examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Solution 1

An aqueous solution containing a total of 30% by weight of mono anddi-potassium phosphonate in roughly equal proportions.

Solution 2

An aqueous solution containing 55% by weight of ammonium thiosulphate(“ATS”).

Solution 3

An aqueous solution containing 20 grams per litre of potassiumsalicylamide.

Solution 4

An aqueous solution containing 75 g/L mono potassium phosphonate, 75 g/Ldi-potassium phosphonate, 275 g/L ammonium thiosulphate and 10 g/Lpotassium salicylamide.

These solutions were applied to lettuce plants, both alone and incombination, and the applications were repeated after a 10 day interval.There were five replicates of each treatment and the results arepresented as means of the five replicates. Five plants were also leftunsprayed as an untreated control to the other treatments. After eight,twelve, sixteen and twenty-one days, the plants were examined fordisease.

TABLE 1 Powdery Mildew Score (0-9, where higher number equals greaterdegree of disease) Treatment (Applied initially and Days after firstspray repeated 10 days later) 8 days 12 days 16 days Untreated 4.0 6.67.2 Solution 1 (1L/ha) 0.8 2.2 3.6 Solution 2 (1L/ha 1.0 1.2 2.4Solution 3 (1L/ha) 1.6 3.2 4.2 Solution 1 (1L/ha) + 0.0 0.4 1.0 Solution2 (1L/ha) Solution 1 (1L/ha) + 0.4 0.6 1.0 Solution 3 (1L/ha) Solution 1(1L/ha) + 0.8 0.6 0.6 Solution 2 (1L/ha) + Solution 3 (1L/ha)

Table 1 shows the synergistic effect on disease levels achieved byadding Solutions 1 & 2 (phosphonate+ATS) and between Solutions 1 & 3(phosphonate+salicylamide) and the further effect of using all threesolutions together. Disease levels were reduced from a mean of 7.2 to amean of 0.6.

As well as assessing disease levels, the growth of the plants wasassessed by measuring the mean plant diameters after 35 days growth andby measuring the mean above ground fresh and dry weights.

TABLE 2 Plant Growth after treatment with the example solutions Amountof Above- Above- Rooting Ground Ground Treatment (0-9, Plant Fresh Dry(Applied initially 0 = least Diameter Weight Weight and repeatedrooting) - (mm) - (g) - (g) - 10 days later) mean mean mean meanUntreated 5.3 124 102.3 8.3 Solution 1 (1L/ha) 6.0 148 116.3 9.3Solution 2 (1L/ha 5.3 160 109.0 8.7 Solution 3 (1L/ha) 4.7 150 104.7 8.5Solution 1 (1L/ha) + 6.7 144 119.0 9.5 Solution 2 (1L/ha) Solution 1(1L/ha) + 6.7 170 120.7 9.7 Solution 3 (1L/ha) Solution 1 (1L/ha) + 6.7168 131.7 10.6  Solution 2 (1L/ha) + Solution 3 (1L/ha)

Table 2 shows the synergistic effect on plant growth caused by addingSolutions 1 & 2 (phosphonate+ATS), Solutions 1 & 3(phosphonate+salicylamide) and the further effect of using all threesolutions together.

The abbreviations used in the following Examples A-E are:

A=phosphonate+thiosulphate

B=phosphonate+salicylate/salicylamide

C=thiosulphate+salicylate/salicylamide

D=thiosulphate+salicylate/salicylamide+phosphate

E=thiosulphate+salicylate+chlormequat

KP40=40% potassium phosphonate

KT47=47% potassium thiosulphate (w/v)

KS20=20% potassium salicylate (w/v)

CS8=salicylamide (20g/1)

AT60=60% ammonium thiosulphate

PF723=55% ammonium thiosulphate

EXAMPLES A

Solution 1=KP40 at 0.75 l/ha every 10 days

Solution 2=PF723 at 1.0 l/ha every 10 days

TABLE A1 Percent Powdery Mildew - Lettuce Treatment (Applied initiallyand repeated Days After First Spray after a 10 day interval) 8 Days 12Days 16 Days Untreated 40 66 72 Solution 1 (1L/Ha)  8 22 36 Solution 2(1L/Ha) 10 12 24 Solution 1 (1L/Ha) +  0  4 10 Solution 2 (1L/Ha)

TABLE A2 Percent Powdery Mildew and Fertiliser Attributes - Sugar BeetAbove Ground Fresh Treatment (Applied Days After First Spray Weightinitially and repeated +28 Days +35 Days (g) - Mean after a 10 dayinterval) (× 1 Rate (× 1 Rate) (× 1 Rate) Untreated 22  31  144.7Solution 1 6 4 152.3 Solution 2 2 2 153.3 Solution 1 + 0 0 154.3Solution 2

TABLE A3 Fertiliser Attributes - Spring Barley Treatment Plant Above(Applied Health Ground Amount of initially ‘Greenness’ Fresh AboveGround Above Ground and repeated Score (0-9) Weight Dry Weight tissue(0-9) after a 10 +35 Days (g) - Mean (g) - Mean at Harvest day interval)(× 1 Rate) (× 1 Rate) (× 1 Rate) (× 1 Rate) Untreated 5.6 68.8 7.7 5.0Solution 1 5.6 67.0 7.4 5.3 Solution 2 5.4 68.3 7.2 5.3 Solution 1 + 6.672.7 7.9 6.0 Solution 2

TABLE A4 GRAPE TRIAL Percent Powdery Mildew Treatment (applied initiallyDays After First Spray and repeated at 10 day +16 +20 +24 +28 +32 +36intervals) Days Days Days Days Days Days Untreated 7.3 9.3 11.3 14.014.0 14.7 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha 5.3 6.7 8.0 11.3 10.7 10.7 PF723 @ 1.0 l/ha2.7 7.3 7.3 8.0 6.7 6.7 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha + 1.3 5.3 6.0 6.0 5.3 5.3 PF723@ 1.0 l/ha

TABLE A5 LETTUCE TRIAL Percent Powdery Mildew Treatment (Appliedinitially and Days After First Spray repeated at 10 day intervals) +16Days +20 Days +24 Days Untreated 10.0  16.7 24.7 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha 7.312.0 18.0 PF723 @ 1.0 l/ha 8.0 12.0 15.3 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha + 5.3  8.714.0 PF23 @ 1.0 l/ha

TABLE A6 Broad Bean - Fertiliser Attributes (KP40 = 40% PotassiumPhosphite; PF723 = 55% Ammonium Thiosulphate) Treatment (2 Above AboveGround Applications in Ground Fresh Dry Weight total every 15 days)Weight (g) - Mean (g) - Mean Untreated 143.8 14.6 KP40 (5.0 l/ha) +150.7 15.5 PF723 (0.5 l/ha) KP40 (3.0 l/ha) + 160.3 16.1 PF723 (0.5l/ha) KP40 (5.0 l/ha) + 168.0 17.3 PF723 (1.0 l/ha) KP40 (3.0 l/ha) +161.3 16.8 PF723 (1.0 l/ha)

TABLE A7 Sugar Beet Percent Powdery Mildew and Fertiliser Attributes(KP40 = 40% Potassium Phosphite; AT60 = 60% Ammonium Thiosulphate) AboveAbove Root Root Ground Ground Treatment (2 Days After Fresh Dry FreshDry Applications First Spray Weight Weight Weight Weight in total - +24+28 (g) - (g) - (g) - (g) - every 15 days) Days Days Mean Mean Mean MeanUntreated 14  24  83.0 12.2 137.8 15.3 KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 0 4 90.3 12.9142.3 15.3 AT60 (10.0 l/ha) KP40 (0.75 l/ha) + 0 2 91.7 13.9 145.0 16.4AT60 (10.0 l/ha) KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 0 0 82.7 12.4 144.0 16.5 AT60 (6.0l/ha) KP40 (0.75 l/ha) + 0 0 97.7 13.6 145.3 15.5 AT60 (6.0 l/ha) KP40(3.75 l/ha) + 0 6 89.7 13.2 144.0 15.8 AT60 (10.0 l/ha) KP40 (2.5l/ha) + 2 8 89.7 14.0 143.3 15.4 AT60 (10.0 l/ha) KP40 (2.5 l/ha) + 0 498.0 13.9 146.7 16.1 AT60 (6.0 l/ha)

TABLE A8 Sugar Beet Percent Powdery Mildew and Fertiliser Attributes(KP40 = 40% Potassium Phosphite; AT60 = 60% Ammonium Thiosulphate) AboveAbove Root Root Ground Ground Treatment (2 Days After Fresh Dry FreshDry Applications First Spray Weight Weight Weight Weight in total - +24+28 (g) - (g) - (g) - (g) - every 15 days) Days Days Mean Mean Mean MeanUntreated 22  28  109.7 13.3 144.7 14.7 KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 0 2 110.313.2 149.7 15.5 AT60 (10.0 l/ha) KP40 (0.75 l/ha) + 0 2 118.7 13.8 147.715.1 AT60 (10.0 l/ha) KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 0 6 117.7 13.6 151.3 15.0 AT60(6.0 l/ha) KP40 (0.75 l/ha) + 2 2 113.7 13.7 150.7 15.2 AT60 (6.0 l/ha)KP40 (3.75 l/ha) + 0 0 119.0 14.2 150.7 15.0 AT60 (10.0 l/ha) KP40 (2.5l/ha) + 2 0 117.3 14.7 148.7 15.0 AT60 (10.0 l/ha) KP40 (2.5 l/ha) + 2 2119.7 14.0 154.3 15.6 AT60 (6.0 l/ha)

TABLE B1 Fertiliser Attributes Strawberry Treatment (Applied PlantHealth initially and ‘Greenness’ Above Ground Above Ground repeatedScore (0-9) Fresh Weight Dry Weight after a 10 +28 Days (g) - Mean (g) -Mean day interval) (× 1 Rate) (× 1 Rate) (× 1 Rate) Untreated 4.8 50.85.0 Solution 1 5.6 53.7 5.1 Solution 3 6.0 56.0 5.6 Solution 1 + 6.463.0 6.2 Solution 3

TABLE B2 Fertiliser Attributes - Spring Barley Treatment Above GroundAbove Ground Amount of Above (Applied initially Fresh Weight Dry WeightGround tissue and repeated after a (g) - Mean (g) - Mean (0-9) 10 dayinterval) (× 1 Rate) (× 1 Rate) (× 1 Rate) Untreated 77.3 8.6 5.0Solution 1 78.3 8.7 5.3 Solution 3 75.0 8.4 5.3 Solution 1 + 81.7 9.75.7 Solution 3

TABLE B3 Percent Powdery Mildew - Sugar Beet Treatment (Appliedinitially Days After First Spray and repeated after a 10 day +28 Days+32 Days interval) (× 1 Rate (× 1 Rate) Untreated 23 35 Solution 1  6 18Solution 3 12 20 Solution 1 +  0 12 Solution 3

TABLE B4 Fertiliser Attributes - Spring Barley Treatment (Appliedinitially and repeated Amount of Rooting Amount of Above Ground after a10 day interval (0-9) (× 1 Rate) Tissue (0-9) (× 1 Rate) Untreated 5.25.0 Solution 1 5.3 5.7 Solution 3 6.0 5.7 Solution 1 + 6.3 6.0 Solution3

TABLE B5 Percent Powdery Mildew - Grape Treatment (Applied InitiallyDays After First Spray and repeated at 10 day +16 +20 +24 +28 +32 +36intervals) Days Days Days Days Days Days Untreated 7.3 9.3 11.3  14.014.0 14.7 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha 5.3 6.7 8.0 11.3 10.7 10.7 KS20 @ 1.0 l/ha5.3 6.7 8.0 11.3  9.3 11.3 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha + 1.3 2.7 4.0  5.3  4.7  4.7KS20 @ 1.0 l/ha

TABLE B6 % Tuber Blight and Yield Attributes - Potato Final MeanRelative Treatment Tuber Final Final (Applied Percent Final ‘Quality’‘First ‘First initially and Tuber Tuber (Premium Grade’ Grade’ repeatedat 10 Blight Yield Potatoes) Tuber Tuber day intervals) (%) (g) (0-9)Yield (g) Yield (%) Untreated 6.0 241.7 4.73 114.3 100 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha2.7 259.8 4.67 121.3 106 KS20 @ 1.0 l/ha 3.3 255.6 5.07 129.6 113 KP40 @0.75 l/ha + 0.7 267.4 5.67 151.6 133 KS20 @ 1.0 l/ha

TABLE B7 Percent Foliar Blight - Potato Treatment (Applied InitiallyDays After First Spray & repeated at 10 day +16 +20 +24 +28 +32 +36intervals) Days Days Days Days Days Days Untreated 5.3 8.7 12.7  12.7 18.7 28.0 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha 2.7 3.3 6.7 8.7  9.3 13.3 KS20 @ 1.0 l/ha 2.04.0 5.3 8.0 10.0 11.3 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha 0.7 1.3 1.3 2.0  2.7  4.7 KS20 @1.0 l/ha

TABLE C1 Percent Powdery Mildew - Grape Treatment (Applied Days AfterFirst Spray Initially and repeated at +16 +20 +24 +28 +32 +36 10 dayintervals) Days Days Days Days Days Days Untreated 7.3 9.3 11.3 14.014.0 14.7 KT47 @ 1.5 l/ha 4.7 6.7 8.0 9.3 9.3 9.3 KS20 @ 1.0 l/ha 5.36.7 8.0 11.3 9.3 11.3 KT47 @ 1.5 l/ha + 2.7 5.3 6.7 8.7 7.3 6.7 KS20 @1.0 l/ha

TABLE C2 Fertiliser Attributes - Broad Bean Treatment (Applied Initiallyand Amount of Above Ground Fresh Above Ground repeated Rooting WeightDry Weight after a 10 day (0-9) (g) - Mean (g) - Mean interval) (x 1Rate) (x 1 Rate) (x 1 Rate) Untreated 5.3 143.8 14.6 Solution 2 5.3155.7 16.1 Solution 3 5.3 155.0 15.7 Solution 2 + 5.7 163.3 16.6Solution 3

TABLE C3 Fertiliser Attributes - Peas Treatment Amount of (Applied PlantHealth Above Ground initially and ‘Greenness’ Root Fresh Root Dry Tissuerepeated after Score (0-9) Weight Weight (0-9) at a 10 day +28 Days(g) - Mean (g) - Mean Harvest interval) (x 1 Rate) (x 1 Rate) (x 1 Rate)(x 1 Rate) Untreated 6.1 124.2 14.1 5.5 Solution 2 6.2 126.3 15.1 5.3Solution 3 6.2 125.7 15.1 5.7 Solution 2 + 6.4 130.7 15.6 6.0 Solution 3

TABLE C4 Fertiliser Attributes - Carrot Treatment (Applied initially andrepeated Root Dry Amount of Above after Weight Amount of Rooting GroundTissue (0-9) a 10 day (g) - Mean (0-9) at Harvest interval) (x 1 Rate)(x 1 Rate) (x 1 Rate) Untreated 5.5 5.2 5.0 Solution 2 6.1 5.3 5.0Solution 3 6.2 5.0 5.0 Solution 2 + 6.4 5.7 5.7 Solution 3

TABLE C5 Percent Powdery Mildew - Oilseed Rape Treatment (Appliedinitially Days After First Spray and repeated after a 10 day +35 Daysinterval) (x 1 Rate) Untreated 14 Solution 2 14 Solution 3 14 Solution2 + 8 Solution 3

TABLE C6 Fertiliser Attributes - Sugar Beet Treatment (Applied initiallyRoot Fresh Weight Root Dry Weight and repeated after a 10 day (g) - Mean(g) - Mean interval) (x 1 Rate) (x 1 Rate) Untreated 109.7 13.3 Solution2 111.7 13.3 Solution 3 113.7 13.4 Solution 2 + 114.7 14.1 Solution 3

TABLE C7 Fertiliser Attributes - Strawberry Treatment (Applied PlantHealth ‘Greenness’ initially and Score (0-9) Amount of Rooting repeatedafter a +35 Days (0-9) 10 day interval) (x 1 Rate) (x 1 Rate) Untreated5.0 5.2 Solution 2 6.0 5.7 Solution 3 6.6 5.3 Solution 2 + 7.0 6.0Solution 3

TABLE D1 % Tuber Blight, Final Yield and Quality Final Tuber Relative‘Quality’ Mean Final Final ‘First Treatment (Applied initially PercentRelative (Premium ‘First Grade’ Grade’ and repeated at 10 day TuberBlight Final Tuber Final Tuber Potatoes Tuber Yield Tuber Yieldintervals (%) Yield (g) Yield (%) (0-9) (g) (%) Untreated 6.0 241.7 1004.73 114.3 100 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha 2.7 259.8 107 4.67 121.3 106 KT47 @ 1.5l/ha 2.7 261.7 108 5.27 137.9 121 KS20 @ 1.0 l/ha 3.3 255.6 106 5.07129.6 113 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha + 0.7 271.4 112 5.60 152.0 133 KT47 @ 1.5l/ha KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha + 0.7 267.4 111 5.87 151.6 133 KS20 @ 1.0 l/haKT47 @ 1.5 l/ha + 0.7 272.2 113 5.60 152.4 133 KP40 @ 1.0 l/ha KS20 @0.75 l/ha + 0.7 277.0 115 5.80 160.7 141 KT47 @ 1.5 l/ha + KS20 @ 1.0l/ha

TABLE D2 % Tuber Blight, Yield and Quality Benefits Treatment (Appliedinitially) ‘Quality’ Mean Final Relative Final and repeated at 10 dayPercent Tuber Final Tuber (Premium ‘First Grade’ ‘First Grade’ intervalsBlight (%) Yield (g) Potatoes) (0-9) Tuber Yield (g) Tuber Yield (%)Untreated 14.0 256.1 5.80 148.5 100 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha 10.0 271.4 5.73155.5 105 KT47 @ 1.5 l/ha 9.3 279.2 5.80 161.9 109 KS20 @ 1.0 l/ha 9.3292.0 5.73 167.3 113 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha + KT41 @ 1.5 l/ha 4.0 280.4 5.80162.6 109 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha + 4.7 286.3 5.80 166.1 112 KS20 @ 1.0 l/haKT47 @ 1.5 l/ha + 3.3 290.0 5.87 170.2 115 KS20 @ 1.0 l/ha KP40 @ 0.75l/ha + 1.3 278.0 6.07 168.7 114 KT47 @ 1.5 l/ha + KS20 @ 1.0 l/ha

TABLE D3 Spring Barley 1999 Percent Powdery Mildew and FertiliserAttributes Amount of Plant Health Plant Health Amount of Above AboveAbove Days After “Greenness” “Greenness” Rooting Ground Fresh Ground DryGround Treatment (2 Applications First Spray Score (0-9) Score (0-9)(0-9) Weight (g) Weight (g) Tissue (0-9) in total - every 15 Days +20Days +28 Days +35 Days −Mean −Mean −Mean −Mean Untreated 7 5.4 5.6 5.368.8 7.7 5.0 KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 2 5.8 6.0 6.0 72.7 8.4 5.3 CS100 (1.0l/ha) KP40 (0.75 l/ha) + 2 6.0 6.2 5.3 72.0 8.2 5.0 CS100 (1.0 l/ha)KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 2 5.8 5.4 6.0 75.3 8.5 5.7 CS100 (0.5 l/ha) KP40(0.75 l/ha) + 4 5.6 5.8 6.3 68.7 7.5 5.3 CS100 (0.5 l/ha) KP40 (0.375l/ha) + 2 5.4 6.0 6.7 69.7 8.0 8.0 CS100 (1.0 l/ha) + AT60 (10.0 l/ha)KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 2 5.6 6.2 6.0 68.7 7.9 5.7 CS100 (0.5 l/ha) + AT60(10.0 l/ha) KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 4 5.8 5.6 6.0 62.0 7.4 5.0 CS100 (0.5l/ha) + AT60 (6.0 l/ha) KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 0 5.2 5.4 6.0 69.0 7.8 5.3CS8 (0.05 l/ha) + AT60 (10.0 l/ha) KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 2 6.0 5.6 6.767.7 7.5 5.0 CS8 (0.05 l/ha) + AT60 (6.0 l/ha) KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 0 5.45.0 5.7 69.7 7.4 5.0 CS8 (0.25 l/ha) + AT60 (10.0 l/ha) KP40 (0.375l/ha) + 0 6.0 5.3 6.0 69.3 7.5 5.0 CS8 (0.25 l/ha) + AT60 (6.0 l/ha)(KP40 = 40% Potassium Phosphite; CS100 = 10 g/liter Salicylamide; CS8 =20 g/l Salicylamide; AT60 = 60% Ammonium Thiosulphate)

TABLE D4 Spring Barley Percent Powdery Mildew and Fertiliser AttributesAmount of Rooting Above Ground Fresh Above Ground Dry Amount of AboveTreatment (2 Applications in (0-9) Weight (g) Weight (g) Ground Tissuetotal - every 15 Days −Mean −Mean −Mean (0-9) −Mean Untreated 5.2 73.09.1 5.0 KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 6.0 83.0 9.3 5.3 CS100 (1.0 l/ha) KP40 (0.75l/ha) + 5.7 82.0 9.7 5.3 CS100 (1.0 l/ha) KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 5.0 77.78.6 6.0 CS100 (0.5 l/ha) KP40 (0.75 l/ha) + 6.0 76.7 8.7 5.0 CS100 (0.5l/ha) KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 6.0 67.3 7.8 5.0 CS100 (1.0 l/ha) + AT60 (10.0l/ha) KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 6.0 68.3 8.1 5.0 CS100 (0.5 l/ha) + AT60 (10.0l/ha) KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 6.0 78.3 9.1 5.7 CS100 (0.5 l/ha) + AT60 (6.0l/ha) KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 5.7 76.0 8.8 5.7 CS8 (0.05 l/ha) + AT60 (10.0l/ha) KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 6.0 78.3 9.0 5.7 CS8 (0.05 l/ha) + AT60 (6.0l/ha) KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 5.0 71.7 8.5 5.3 CS8 (0.25 l/ha) + AT60 (10.0l/ha) KP40 (0.375 l/ha) + 5.7 72.0 8.1 5.0 CS8 (0.25 l/ha) + AT60 (6.0l/ha) (KP40 = 40% Potassium Phosphite; CS100 = 10 g/liter Salicylamide;CS8 = 20 g/l Salicylamide; AT60 = 60% Ammonium Thiosulphate)

TABLE D5 LETTUCE TRIAL Fresh Weight Yield and Quality Benefits QualityFinal Fresh Median Relative Treatment Final Fresh of Final WeightRelative Quality of Median Final Median (Applied initially Weight FreshWeight “Quality” Fresh Weight Median Final Final Fresh Fresh WeightFresh Weight and repeated Yield Yield Yield “Quality” Fresh WeightWeight Yield “Quality” Quality” at 10 day intervals) (g) (0-9) (g) Yield(%) Yield (g) Yield (0-9) Yield (g) Yield (%) Untreated 81.3 5.33 43.4100 80.6 5.27 42.5 100 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha 85.0 5.40 45.7 105 87.2 5.3646.7 110 PF723 @ 1.0 l/ha 87.7 5.40 47.4 109 86.6 5.46 47.3 111 KS20 @1.0 l/ha 83.6 5.67 47.4 109 82.6 5.64 46.6 110 KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha + 89.85.63 50.6 117 89.8 5.64 50.8 119 PF723 @ 1.0 l/ha KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha +90.9 5.53 50.3 116 90.6 5.64 51.1 120 KS20 @ 1.0 l/ha PF723 @ 1.0 l/ha +86.5 5.67 49.0 113 65.4 5.64 48.2 113 KS20 @ 1.0 l/ha KP40 @ 0.75 l/ha +87.9 5.67 49.8 115 88.4 5.64 49.9 117 PF723 @ 1.0 l/ha + KS20 @ 1.0 l/ha(KP40 = 40% Potassium Phosphite; PF723 = 55% Ammonium Thiosulphate; KS20= 20 gms/liter Potassium Salicylate)

TABLE E1 Benefits of Ammonium Thiosulphate (ATS) and PotassiumSalicylate (KS) with Chlormequat (CCC) on Spring Barley Powdery Amountof Above Ground Above Ground Treatment Mildew (%) Rooting (0-9) FreshWeight Dry Weight (g) (Treatments applied at at +15 Mean of 10 (g) Totalof 10 Total of 10 3 leaves stage) days plants plants plants Untreated 255.8 30.5 3.4 CCC (1.25 1/ha) 15 5.5 34.0 3.7 CCC (1.25 l/ha) + 13 6.031.5 3.6 ATS (1.25 l/ha) CCC (1.25 l/ha) + 18 6.0 31.3 3.5 KS (20 g/ha)CCC (1.25 l/ha) + 8 6.5 36.0 4.0 ATS (1.25 l/ha) + KS (20 g/ha)

TABLE E2 Benefits of Ammonium Thiosulphate (ATS) and PotassiumSalicylate (KS) with Chlormequat (CCC) on Spring Barley Treatment Numberof (Treatments applied at 3 Tillers leaves stage (T1) and PowderyPowdery Powdery Initiated per prior to start of stem Mildew (%) Mildew(%) Mildew (%) Plant (mean of extension (T2)) at +12 days at +15 days at+18 days 10 plants) Untreated 20 25 38 3.0 CCC (0.8 l/ha at T1 & T2) 8 810 3.5 CCC (0.8 l/ha at T1 & T2) 5 5 8 3.5 + ATS (0.8 l/ha at T1 & T2)CCC (0.8 l/ha at T1 & T2) 8 3 13 3.3 + KS (20 g/ha at T1 & T2) CCC (0.8l/ha at T1 & T2) 0 3 5 4.3 ATS (0.8 l/ha at T1 & T2) + KS (20 g/ha at T1& T2)

The following show non-limiting examples of formulated compositions inaccordance with the present invention FOLIAR FERTILISER ONE SpecificKilogram percentage Volume gram/liter gram/liter INGREDIENTS Gravity perbatch w/w per batch of ingredient of active Water 1.000 150.0000 7.50000150.0000 96.2564 96.2564 Wetting agent 1.000 10.0000 0.50000 10.00006.4171 6.4171 Salicylic Acid 1.000 10.0000 0.50000 10.0000 6.4171 6.4171Potassium hydroxide (20% w/w) 1.200 130.0000 6.50000 108.3333 83.422283.4222 Copper EDTA chelate (14.3% Cu w/w) 1.200 30.0000 1.50000 25.000019.2513 19.2513 Iron EDTA chelate (13.2% Fe w/w) 1.200 30.0000 1.5000025.0000 19.2513 19.2513 Pot phosphites (42% w/w) 1.342 1,000.000050.00000 745.1565 641.7092 269.5179 Ammonium thiosulphate (60% w/w)1.320 640.0000 32.00000 484.8465 410.6939 246.4183 Totals 2,000.0000100.00000 1,558.3383 1,283.4184 746.9495 N  3.84% w/w  49 g/liter w/v P 4.68% w/w  60 g/liter w/v P as P₂O₅** 10.64% w/w 137 g/liter w/v K 9.91% w/w 125 g/liter w/v K as K₂O 11.93% w/w 150 g/liter w/v S  8.32%w/w 107 g/liter w/v S as SO₃ 20.80% w/w 267 g/liter w/v **theoretically

FOLIAR FERTILISER TWO Specific Kilogram percentage Volume gram/litergram/liter INGREDIENTS Gravity per batch w/w per batch of ingredient ofactive Water 1.000 150.0000 7.50000 150.0000 96.2564 96.2564 Wettingagent 1.000 10.0000 0.50000 10.0000 6.4171 6.4171 Zinc EDTA chelate(15.7% Zn w/w) 1.000 30.0000 1.50000 30.0000 19.2513 19.2513 Copper EDTAchelate (14.3% Cu w/w) 1.000 30.0000 1.50000 30.0000 19.2513 19.2513Iron EDTA chelate (13.2% Fe w/w) 1.000 30.0000 1.50000 30.0000 19.251319.2513 Pot phosphites (42% w/w) 1.342 750.0000 37.60000 558.8674481.2819 202.1384 Ammonium thiosulphate (60% w/w) 1.320 1,000.000050.00000 757.5758 641.7092 385.0255 Totals 2,000.0000 100.000001,566.4431 1,283.4184 746.6912 N  6.00% w/w  77 g/liter w/v P  3.51% w/w 45 g/liter w/v P as P₂O₅**  7.98% w/w 102 g/liter w/v K  6.96% w/w  88g/liter w/v K as K₂O  8.39% w/w 105 g/liter w/v S 13.00% w/w 167 g/literw/v S as SO₃ 32.50% w/w 417 g/liter w/v **theoretically The aboveExamples show that the compositions of the present invention show thedesired fertilisation and antifungal effects.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fertiliser composition comprising at least onephosphonate and at least one thiosulphate.
 2. A fertiliser compositionaccording to claim 1 wherein the phosphonate is ammonium, sodium orpotassium phosphonate or a mixture thereof.
 3. A fertiliser compositionaccording to claim 1 wherein the thiosulphate is ammonium, sodium orpotassium thiosulphate or a mixture thereof.
 4. A fertiliser compositionaccording to claim 1 in the form of a concentrate.
 5. A fertilisercomposition according to claim 1 in the form of an aqueous solution. 6.A fertiliser composition according to claim 5 comprising 150 g/lphosphonate, 275 g/l thiosulphate and/or 10 g/l salicylamide.
 7. Afertiliser composition according to claim 6 wherein the phosphonatecomprises 75 g/l mono-potassium phosphonate and 75 g/l di-potassiumphosphonate.
 8. A fertiliser composition according to claim 1 furthercomprising at least one salicylic acid, homologue, derivative, or saltthereof.
 9. A fertiliser composition according to claim 8 wherein thederivative of salicylic acid is salicylamide or a salt thereof.
 10. Afertiliser composition according to claim 8 wherein the homologue ofsalicylic acid is benzoic acid or a salt or derivative thereof.
 11. Afertiliser composition according to claim 8 wherein the salt ofsalicylic acid, its homologue or derivative is an organic or inorganicsalt.
 12. A fertiliser composition according to claim 11 wherein thesalt is a sodium or potassium salt or mixtures thereof.
 13. A fertilisercomposition according to claim 8 further comprising a plant growthregulator.
 14. A fertiliser composition according to claim 13 whereinthe plant growth regulator is chlormequat.
 15. A fertiliser compositionaccording to claim 1 further comprising a plant growth regulator.
 16. Afertiliser composition according to claim 15 wherein the plant growthregulator is chlormequat.
 17. A method of stimulating the growth of aplant comprising applying an effective amount of the fertilisercomposition of claim 1 to the plant or its environs to stimulate thegrowth of the plant.
 18. A method of controlling parasitic fungicomprising applying the fertiliser composition of claim 1 to theparasitic fungi.
 19. A method for fertilising a plant comprisingapplying a fertiliser composition according to claim 1 to the plant orits environs.
 20. A method according to claim 19 wherein the phosphonateis applied at 150 g/ha to 2 kg/ha.
 21. A method according to claim 19wherein the thiosulphate is applied at 250 g/ha to 6 kg/ha.
 22. A methodaccording to claim 19 wherein at least one salicylic acid, a homologue,derivative, or salt thereof is applied at 1 g/ha to 100 g/ha.
 23. Afertiliser composition comprising at least one phosphonate and at leastone salicylic acid, homologue, derivative, or salt thereof.
 24. Afertiliser composition according to claim 23 wherein the phosphonate isammonium, sodium or potassium phosphonate or a mixture thereof.
 25. Afertiliser composition according to claim 23 wherein the derivative ofsalicylic acid Is salicylamide or a salt thereof.
 26. A fertilisercomposition according to claim 23 wherein the homologue of salicylicacid is benzoic acid or a salt or derivative thereof.
 27. A fertilisercomposition according to claim 23 wherein the salt of salicylic acid,its homologue or derivative is an organic or inorganic salt.
 28. Afertiliser composition according to claim 23 in the form of aconcentrate.
 29. A fertiliser composition according to claim 23 in theform of an aqueous solution.
 30. A fertiliser composition according toclaim 23 further comprising a plant growth regulator.
 31. A fertilisercomposition according to claim 30 wherein the plant growth regulator ischlormequat.
 32. A method for fertilising a plant comprising applying afertiliser composition according to claim 23 to the plant or itsenvirons.
 33. A method according to claim 32 wherein at least onesalicylic acid, a homologue, derivative, or salt thereof is applied at 1g/ha to 100 g/ha.
 34. A fertiliser composition comprising at least onethiosulphate and at least one salicylic acid, homologue, derivative, orsalt thereof.
 35. A fertiliser composition according to claim 34 whereinthe thiosulphate is ammonium, sodium or potassium thiosulphate or amixture thereof.
 36. A fertiliser composition according to claim 34wherein the derivative of salicylic acid is salicylamide or a saltthereof.
 37. A fertiliser composition according to claim 34 wherein thehomologue of salicylic acid is benzoic acid or a salt or derivativethereof.
 38. A fertiliser composition according to claim 34 wherein thesalt of salicylic acid, its homologue or derivative Is an organic orinorganic salt.
 39. A fertiliser composition according to claim 34 inthe form of a concentrate.
 40. A fertiliser composition according toclaim 34 in the form of an aqueous solution.
 41. A fertilisercomposition according to claim 34 further comprising a plant growthregulator.
 42. A method for fertilising a plant comprising applying afertiliser composition according to claim 34 to the plant or itsenvirons.
 43. A method according to claim 42 wherein the thiosulphate isapplied at 250 g/he to 6 kg/ha.
 44. A method according to claim 42wherein at least one salicylic acid, a homologue, derivative, or saltthereof is applied at 1 g/ha to 100 g/ha.
 45. A fertiliser compositionaccording to claim 41 wherein the plant growth regulator is chlormequat.